GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES

The Great Cloud of Witnesses is mentioned in Hebrews 12:1-2: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

The most common (some think obvious) interpretation of this Hebrews text is something like this: “We are surrounded by the saints of the past in a unique way. It’s not that the faithful who have gone before us are spectators to the race we run. Rather, it is a figurative representation and means that we ought to act as if they were in sight and cheering us on to the same victory in the life of faith that they obtained. We are to be inspired by the godly examples these saints set during their lives. These are those whose past lives of faith encourage others to live that way, too. That the cloud is referred to as “great” indicates that millions of believers have gone before us, each bearing witness to the life of faith we now live.” (Source: Got Questions)

In the night I heard, “The Cloud of Witnesses is not only those who are dead but also those of us still living.” Many faithful brothers and sisters surround us everyday. So we run the race with endurance, getting rid of hindrances, and “look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” The dead and the living surround us…

“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Jesus